My Overall Impression (Score of 85 %)

It’s been a long time since I’ve published.  Trust me, it was not intentional but busy with a multitude of things.  My love for tea never wavered during this time.  Ask anyone that knows me.  I still travel with my loose blends along with a water heater for my travels.  Sorry, but hotel water on the buffet most times tastes like coffee.

In any case, we are getting close to summer.  Even though Michigan has been cold this Spring, I still was able to sneak in a few Iced Teas along with all of the other teas brewed hot.  Trust me, there is a stockpile of material just waiting to get to you. 

I have a rule.  If I can grow things in the garden, I can brew Iced tea using the sun version.  Lately, I’ve been making a great deal of iced tea.  One of my favorites is Wild Blueberry from The Republic of Tea.  I’ve loved this tea since I lived in Austin years ago and every time I go back to TX, I make sure I have some at home or pick up more.  Today’s tea I purchased in bulk from Central Market, but you can purchase this directly from their website.

What can I say other than this is simply a vibrant option for summer fare.  The three grams may be a bit light for some so add more to get it to your strength level.  I don’t care for ice when I’m doing my reviews as I try to be consistent.  However, I Just Love This Tea.  Mic Drop.

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• This was my thought:
  • “Hey, I’m going to trigger massive flashbacks to all of the times I’ve gone blueberry picking with my kids and being covered with the sweet smell of ripe fruit.”

The Price

The price when purchased was $52.49 for 16 oz (w) or 454 gm.  I purchased this in bulk from a bulk supply shop.

Broken down:

• 3 gm for steeping = 1 quart or 4 cups finished
• When converted, the price is 34.6 cents per brew. Since this brewed 1 quart or 4 – 8oz cups, this converts to 8.7 cents per cup.   I do not think I’ve reviewed anything more affordable.

Aromas

• Great fresh berries (primarily blueberries but good hints of black raspberries) are highly integrated into the black malt.
• This is followed by light notes of tobacco, toast, and hints of dried flowers.
• Once brewed, the profile was the same but muted due to the colder temperatures.

Flavors

• I found this to be mild at the 3 gm. You may wish to add another 0.5 gm for increased intensity for the brew.  However, there was still plenty of flavor.
• Fresh plump blueberries for the wine with dried raspberries following.
• This is followed by multiple hints of dried berries and flowers.
• It’s off dry with medium acidity and body makes this quite refreshing.
• The tannins are also approachable giving enough astringency to balance the sweetness.

Scores

• Aromas (4.2/5)
• Flavors (8.4/10)
• Overall impression (4.4/5)
  • Total score = 85 percent (17.0/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• First of all, anything with blueberries in it can be paired with this naturally. Think creatively.  We always consider blueberries for desserts but start to look at other options.
• I love to smoke a fresh turkey breast finish it with a blueberry glaze on the skin. That or have you ever had a blueberry chipotle jam with a turkey sandwich?  Just saying this would be magical with this brew.
• I would love to make a blueberry chiffon cake to serve with fresh berry compote for a lighter summer dessert.
• Naturally, fresh berries with a lemon zested Greek yogurt would be a lovely lighter breakfast to pair.
• For a good summer appetizer, grilled marinated chicken breasts served with a crostini would be amazing. You have the option of glazing the chicken or using a lighter creamy blueberry jam spread as the base on the crostini.